iPhone X taptic engine repair guide

Introduction

In this guide, we show you how to replace your iPhone X’s defective Taptic Engine.You need this repair if your phone doesn’t vibrate or only barely vibrates.Back up all your data before the repair, and touch something like a radiator to get rid of any static charges.

Required tools

Hard Plastic Picks

Hard Plastic Picks

You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

For storing screws

iFlex opening tool

Taking apart the little pieces in your smartphone can be a big pain. The iFlex is tough but compact with a blade thickness of just 0.15 mm so it fits into even the smallest spaces, like the gap between the display and frame or under the logic board. The iFlex is made of stainless steel and designed for a good grip, making this convenient tool the perfect assistant for every smartphone repair.

Removing the display

Once the iPhone X has been opened, no warranty can be given on the protection against dust and splashing water of the IP67 classification.

Place your iPhone X on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratches on the back of your iPhone X when lifting the display.

To lift the display, you will need a suction cup, iFlex, hard plastic plectrum and a hot air blower. If the display screen is badly broken, completely cover it with parcel tape beforehand.

To make it easier to lift the display, you can heat the adhesive that is used to stick the display to the edge. To do this, use a hot-air blow-dryer or a standard hairdryer and drive along the edge of your iPhone from the outside until it has heated up to approximately 60°C.

Place the suction cup on the lower edge of your device and pull it upwards to create a small gap between the stainless steel and the display frame. While lifting the display with the suction cup, simultaneously insert the iFlex or hard plastic plectrum into the gap.

Do not insert your tool more than about 5 mm into the resulting gap to avoid damaging any components inside the iPhone.

If you are using an iFlex, switch to a hard plastic plectrum as soon as possible to avoid scratching the frame.

Move the tool one step at a time around the frame of your iPhone to completely loosen the stuck display. Press the plectrum upwards again and again to release the noses from the stainless steel frame.

Heat the outer edge of the display repeatedly if necessary.

When the display is completely detached, carefully fold it to the side towards the standby button. Lean it against a stable object so that it remains in a vertical position.

In order not to overstretch the flexible cables that are still connected to the display inside, do not fold the display completely to the side!

Disconnecting the battery

To avoid a short circuit, disconnect the battery contact before starting the repair. This will ensure that you do not accidentally switch on your device during repair.

Unscrew the Y-type screws with a Y-type Y000 screwdriver and remove the cover plate. Place all loose parts on a common field of the magnetic mat and arrange them as you found them in the unit. This will help you to keep track and not to lose anything.

Note that the screws have different lengths.

Apple introduced the so-called Y-Type screws with the iPhone 7. Use a suitable Y-Type screwdriver to loosen the screws so that the screw heads are not damaged.

Now carefully disconnect the battery contact by carefully driving a plastic spudger under the plug.

Installing the taptic engine

Put the Taptic Engine back between the battery and the lightning connector. Make sure the screw holes of the taptic engine are located correctly.

Attach the taptic engine’s connector.

Screw the taptic engine tight.

Inserting the speaker

Connector

1 × 2,2 mm Y-Type

Place the speaker back in its original position and press it in.

Attach the connector of the speaker.

Put the cover plate on the connector and screw it in using the Y-type screw.

Installing the cover plate for speaker and taptic engine

Connector

Place the cover plate vertically on the lower edge of the display to connect the square connector.

Then fold the cover plate over. Align it so that the screw openings are exactly above the threads.

Screw the cover plate with the Phillips and Y-type screws.

Attaching a new adhesive frame

First remove all remaining adhesive residues on the stainless steel frame and display, so that the new adhesive frame fits correctly.

Now remove the first protective foil of the adhesive frame.

First place the adhesive frame on one edge of the frame only and press it firmly little by little. You can use the plastic spudger to press it on so that it fits as smoothly as possible.

Pull out the next large protective foil from the middle.

You can leave the remaining protective foil on the edge of your device until you have connected the display and attached the cover plates. This prevents anything from sticking to the adhesive frame beforehand.

Make sure that the adhesive frame is correctly positioned. The corners are different and will help you align it correctly with the frame of your device.An iPhone repaired with a frame sticker will be protected against dust and spray water, but it will not be 100% waterproof!

Connecting the display

Display Connector

Earpiece Connector

Place the display on the side of your iPhone X frame and lean it against a stable object. This prevents the sensitive flex cables from being overstretched during connection.

Be careful not to let your device slip away!

Connect the two display connectors. You may have to press the lower connector with the spudger to make sure that it is correctly seated.

Take care not to slide over the main board with the Spudger, so that you don't damage the contacts!

Position the earpiece connector over the slot on the main board. You can use a pair of tweezers to help you.

Carefully press the connector firmly into its slot until you feel it click into place.

Make sure that the connectors are correctly seated!

Connecting the battery

Battery Connector

1 × 3,0 mm Y-Type

3 × 1,0 mm Y-Type

1 × 3,6 mm Y-Type

Attach the battery connector.

Then put on the cover plate and fix it with the Y-Type screws.

Installing the display

Take the display in both hands and carefully fold it over.

Press it down along the frame one by one.

Test the display and other functions of your iPhone before gluing it in place.

Fastening the back cover screws

2 × 6,8 mm Pentalob

Screw the two pentalobe screws to the left and right of the lightning connector tight.